"Science and religion are two of the most potent forces on Earth and they should come together to save the creation."

- E. O. Wilson
Harvard University

Welcome

Recognized internationally for its health mission and emphasis on wholeness, Loma Linda University is concerned with wholeness not just of body, mind, and spirit, but also that of our environment. The university created the Center for Biodiversity and Conservation Studies in 2009 to promote environmental awareness and stewardship, particularly among faith groups.

Please browse our website to learn more about us and the work we do. Consider attending some of our special lectures, which often feature live animals in a family-friendly format. Consider also visiting our Biodiversity Discovery Center, where you can learn more about the many unique and endangered plant and animal species that share our planet with us.

Biodiversity Discovery Center

Come and visit the Loma Linda University Biodiversity Discovery Center! Housed in the basement of Mortensen Hall, the facility is comprised of two small rooms, one featuring rare and unique reptiles, and the other featuring gorgeous marine creatures. The hallways also have informative content, including a "Bug Zoo" with spiders, scorpions, centipedes, and other unusual critters. The facility is very small and can accommodate only small groups, but what we lack in space we make up for in quality of unusual animals.

Encounter extraordinary live animals, including several endangered species

See the world's most toxic venomous snake

Marvel at the spectacular colors of a living coral reef

Examine the delicate beauty of unusual invertebrates and the plants that eat them

Discover how bioprospecting among venomous animals has led to new medications for humans

Learn about biodiversity hotspots and how scientists seek to preserve endangered species

Visiting Hours:

Monday - Saturday

1-5 pm

Open weekday mornings for school groups by appointment.

Admission is free on Saturdays with a suggested donation; the animals need your support.

Due to an electrical issue, the Center will be closed for several weeks; check back to see when it reopens.

Admission Rates:

Adult

$3

Child (12 and under)

$2

Annual Membership
(unlimited visits):

Adult

$10

Child (12 and under)

$7

Location:
Basement of Mortensen Hall, the red brick building at the corner of Campus St. and University Ave., Loma Linda, California (enter through the basement door following the sidewalk that begins at the parking lot gate)

Our Dream of a Larger Center

Sadly, the 2100-square-foot Biodiversity Discovery Center that was under construction in Risley Hall has been put on hold. The building required extensive renovations that were estimated at $385,000, which exceeded the funds we had available. However, the good news is that we have identified an absolutely amazing 44,000 square-foot facility perfectly suited for our needs. We urgently need some very substantial gifts, as we have a limited amount of time to secure the lease at below-market rates. We need to raise at least $5 million to make this possible. Please click here to see the important details (including contact info) regarding this facility and what we hope to accomplish with it. If you or someone you know would like to help make this unique gift to the Inland Empire's 3.7 million residents become a reality, please get in touch with us.

Our dream of a larger Biodiversity Discovery Center includes a state-of-the-art facility featuring exquisite plant and animal exhibits uniquely organized on a biodiversity hotspot theme. We hope to foster a spirit of environmental stewardship by showcasing many unusual and endangered species, and by promoting the value and importance of research and education. Ideally located near the intersection of major highway corridors, the facility would fill a much-needed void in the Inland Empire--the third largest metropolitan area in California--which currently lacks any sizeable zoo/aquarium experience. Click here to learn more about our proposed exhibits. You can also click here to learn more about the world's 25 designated biodiversity hotspots, and the science associated with them.